CONNOR CONNECTIONS NEWS

Vital role of the Diocesan Reader olidays, illness and vacancies mean Diocesan Readers with cassock, surplice and blue Hpreaching scarf are a familiar sight in many parish prayer desks and pulpits.

A survey of the workload of Diocesan Readers in Connor produced returns from 27 Readers indicating they had either read the service of Morning or Evening Prayer and/or preached at 1176 services in a one year period. Dennis Grattan of St Brigid’s, Glengormley, who has served 43 years, Eleven had been involved in 50 services while four had receives a gift from been involved in more than 70 services, leading and Harper. preaching at three services on certain Sundays which sometimes involved considerable travel. This is a Over the past few years Mrs Bobby Moore, Robert significant contribution to the worship of the church and Simpson, Harold Sharp and Andrew Ker have been also in individual parishes. ordained while Readers presently in training include Helen MacArthur, Michael High, John McClure, Graham Many Readers have also served for a considerable time. Nevin and William Patton. Dennis Grattan of St Brigid’s, Glengormley, has served for 43 years; Dr Wilfred Mulryne will complete 35 years’ A recent innovation in the Reader ministry in Connor service this year. Bob Fryer will complete 31 years’ diocese has been the introduction of Parish Readers. service while other long servers include Jim Neill, 29 Candidates are selected in the usual way, but undergo a years, Jack Hassard and Dennis Fullerton, 26 years, and much shorter training course. Parish Readers are not Mr Robert Harper, 25 years. licensed to preach and their licence lapses when there is a vacancy in the parish but it is renewable on the Despite these outstanding examples the supply of recommendation of the new Incumbent. candidates is not keeping pace with the number leaving through retirement or death. Anyone interested in the Reader ministry plays a vital role in the worship of the Diocesan Reader ministry must obtain the approval of diocese, and although this is likely to change with the their Rector at a selection panel. Their studies include formation of team ministries in grouped parishes, attendance at tutorials, the writing of essays and regular Readers will continue to rise to the challenge of meetings. conducting services and preaching where appropriate to the benefit of the whole church. Not surprisingly, Diocesan Readers have become a fertile recruitment field for the Non Stipendary Ministry. Contributed by Mr George Leckey

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: BISHOP-ELECT LOOKS ACROSS BELFAST LOUGH FROM BALLYHOLME INTO Contents CONNOR. Helping children in Siberia 03 IF YOU HAVE ANY EDITORIAL COMMENTS OR WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE NEXT EDITION OF CONNOR Life in Zambia for the Scott family 04 CONNECTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: Diocesan news round-up 06 KAREN BUSHBY Connor’s new Bishop 08 CONNOR DIOCESAN COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Monkstown in the spotlight 10 HOUSE 61-67 DONEGALL STREET View from the Hill - David Burnside 12 BELFAST BT1 2QH Tackling addiction 14 TEL/FAX: 028 4066 0798 MOBILE: 07766 103880 EMAIL: [email protected] Website: www.connor.anglican.org

TWO CONNOR CONNECTIONS NEWS

Saving children’s lives in Siberia ne Connor parish is reaching out to starving Two boys in Chita street children living not in the dust of India or shelter in a sewer Africa, but in a freezing Siberian city with at times as the snow lies on O the ground above. only a sewer for shelter. Photo: Child Aid.

Since the break-up of the former Soviet Union, the number of children forced to live on the streets of Russia and the Republics has spiralled.

Through Child Aid’s Helping Hands Appeal, the parishes of St Peter and St James in Belfast has been supporting these children through prayer and by sending funding for food, boots and winter coats which will literally enable some to survive the minus 40 degree Siberian winters.

Parishioner David Cromie said that following the collapse of socialism in the former Soviet Union, the currency crashed, prices rose and the social protections of the former system disappeared. “At the bottom of all this is where the children come in, particularly in Russia where there is a big tradition of drinking of illegal vodka,” he said. “It is cheap, can be very bad and is like a drug. When people are drinking they cannot work. In some of the cities there is now a failed generation because the economic base has been taken away. Some parents are literally drinking themselves to death.”

He went on: “A lot of the kids are kicked out. They end up living wherever they can find shelter. Many of the girls will turn to prostitution and the boys become involved in burglary and theft and other anti-social activities. As for education, you can forget about it. Rev Charles McCollum, Rector of St Peter's; Mr David Cromie; Mrs Sandra Hutchman; Mr Peter Gray and Mr Wes Holmes who make up the Charities Action Group at St Peter and St James. “We found examples of children in Siberia trying to survive in minus 40 degree temperatures living in sewers or sleeping on pipes carrying irradiated water from Prize for Connor Connections nuclear power plants. It is a massive problem.” onnor Connections, The awards were The parish formed a small Charities Action Group, which the magazine for the presented by the C as a first target selected Child Aid because of its high Diocese of Connor, was , impact low cost approach to the problems. The select voted runner-up in the the Most Rev Alan vestry backed the idea by providing start up funds. The diocesan magazine Harper, who rector, Rev Charles McCollum, encouraged the group to category in the Church of acknowledged the hard take the issue to the whole congregation. Ireland Magazine and work of all those who Website competition. contribute to “We didn’t even ask the parishioners for money, but they communicating the responded generously,” said David. “We have supported The winner was N:Vision, message of the Church. the soup kitchens they run for the children, and sent funds from Derry and Raphoe. to buy winter coats and boots. Child Aid is setting up a Archdeacon Stephen new shelter in Chita and we have helped with that by Magheragall Parish in McBride, chair of the providing funds to secure the services of a psychologist to Connor won the best Connor Communications work with traumatised children and families. parish magazine, and the Committee, received the Diocese of Down and award for Connor “We started off feeding the hungry and clothing the Dromore won the best Connections from the naked. We want to follow these specific instructions and diocesan website. Archbishop. it seems to have struck a very positive chord with the parish,” David added.

THREE CONNOR CONNECTIONS MISSION Family helping to equip Zambians for Zambia

Keith and Lyn Scott with their children Adam and Hannah on a visit home from Zambia.

he glens of Antrim are a far cry from the dusty preaches and takes services. His English is translated plains of Zambia, but this is where Keith Scott and into the local Bemba language by an interpreter. This young family set up home four years ago. The family live in a new bungalow with a few problems, Deadly crocodiles and spitting cobras have become a such as undrinkable water, a leaky tin roof and plaster way of life for Keith, his wife Lyn, and their children which falls when a door bangs. Adam, 16, and Hannah, 12. Lyn said the couple don’t see themselves as ‘old The family live in Kitwe, Copperbelt province, close to fashioned missionaries,’ but enablers, training people up the Congo border. Keith is a lecturer at the Anglican to serve in the church in Zambia. Seminary of St John the Evangelist in Kitwe, while Lyn also works in the seminary teaching study skills and “Most mission activity is about skills training, trying to get advanced English. people to take up projects for themselves,” said Keith. “It is very difficult to keep people with training in Africa but Zambia is a Christian nation, and in the Kitwe area ideally in the longer term people with skills will take over around 60 per cent of inhabitants are nominally positions in Zambia. We train Zambians for Zambia.” Christian. Keith was a parish priest before leaving Keith is parish priest of Chambishi, one of a group of for Africa. He spent three years in St Matthew’s, churches between Kitwe and Chingola. He visits, Shankhill Road and 14 in the Glens of Antrim in the

FOUR CONNOR CONNECTIONS MISSION

parish of Ardclinis, Tickmacrevan, Layde and sense in the Zambian population that they need to co- Cushendun. exist to be a nation,” said Keith.

“We felt we would like to do a spell overseas. We applied But Zambia cannot escape another of Africa’s major to go to Sierra Leone, but that didn’t work out because of scourges, Aids. “Every week we know someone who the conflict there. Then the opportunity arose to go to dies of Aids or suffers an Aids related death. Many of Zambia,” Keith said. Zambia’s young professionals will die of Aids,” said Keith. Before the trip Keith visited Zambia to get an idea of what the family’s future home would be like, what schools were available for the children and how difficult life might be.

“We had to think about things like that, but we felt it was right. God was calling us to do this,” he said.

Life is not easy. “We have to worry about drinking water and power cuts,” said Lyn. “Shopping isn’t like it is at home. There’s a market and a scruffy old supermarket which we are lucky to have, but some of the produce is extremely dubious – we found a cheese that was three years out of date.”

Other problems include ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes and even killer snakes which, if given a chance, will spit in your eye. Rivers have to be avoided because of the number of crocodiles, and crocodile attacks are reported A colourful Zambian dance with makeshift costumes. regularly. The family expect to return home in two years, but are gaining much from their African experience. For Hannah Seeing the grim reality, it is her beloved horses, for Adam it is meeting people people who have nothing, from all corners of the globe at their international school. Lyn says life in Zambia puts life at home in perspective. “Seeing the grim reality of life, people who have nothing, no hopes or prospects no hopes or prospects impacts on your life. Here we impacts on your life. have so much and take it all for granted,” she said. Keith believes they are making a difference in Zambia. The population is poor, most families are dressed in “It’s not like you can say I have done this and it’s made a rags. “People will try and get work in the mines or in the difference to somebody’s life, but with the Zambians we shops or other support services but there is massive are trying to build the economy and bring hope to unemployment and everyone has to try and grow people,” he said. something. A lot of the spare space between houses and under power lines will be used to grow maize or groundnuts,” said Keith.

November to April is the rainy season with temperatures around 40 degrees centigrade. The other six months are dry and cool.

Although Zambia is peaceful, there is ongoing unrest in Congo. “The trouble in Congo does impinge,” said Lyn. “There are a lot of refugees and traffic across the border as well as criminal activity like car theft and smuggling of guns and copper. The Congalese people are lovely, but there is a real rogue element.”

Zambia’s peaceful status is partly down to the fact that tribalism is discouraged. “To be accused of tribalism is a very serious accusation in local politics. There is a deep Zambian children.

FIVE CONNOR CONNECTIONS NEWS

A proud day for St Columba’s, Dunclug t Columba’s Parish Church, Dunclug, was awarded Sfirst prize in the post -1900 category of a competition run by the Ulster Historic Churches Trust.

The Ulster Historic Churches Trust has Church of Ireland, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian and Methodist trustees. The prizes were awarded for well-maintained places of worship and the awards were presented by Paul Clarke from UTV. St Columba’s is a multi purpose building, built in 1975 in response to new housing developments in the area.

Canon Stuart Lloyd said: “St Columba’s is beside the Dunclug Housing Estate where there has been trouble at times. The church has been burnt in the past but there is a group of people who faithfully keep the grounds outside and do most of the work inside as well.”

Norman and Eileen search the marriage records with Archdeacon Forde looking on. Picture: Ivan Morrow Photography From Down Under to renew their vows ixty years after they were married in Larne, Eileen Sand Norman Greenway travelled from Australia to walk down the same aisle and renew their vows. A team from St Patrick’s Parish Church, Ballymena, carried almost 100 blocks up Slemish Mountain to build a small house in a bid to raise awareness of the work of Habitat for Humanity and to support a building project in Ghana. The endeavour Larne-born Eileen, 77, was 14 when she met Norman, a raised just over £3,000. submariner. They married in St Cedma’s Parish Church on March 20 1947, and in 1952 emigrated with their two children to Australia. Liverpool coaching Unfortunately the job Norman had been promised was cancelled, and the family had to live in a Nissan hut in a team back in Belfast migrant camp for ‘pommies’ on the outskirts of Perth. Eventually they fled to Rocky Gully in the outback, 250 iverpool Football Club’s community coaching team miles from Perth, where they lived in tents with no water, Lwas back in north and west Belfast at Easter. no electricity and open drains. The coaches were at Paisley Park in the Shankill to train After two years of hardship they then moved 70 miles to children and young people and help them master football the seaside town of Albany, where they live today. skills, drills and tactics. The two-day event was spearheaded by Sister Valerie Thom of the Church Army. Guests at their renewal of vows included Margaret their bridesmaid and George their bestman. “It was a She said: “This is the fourth year that Liverpool Football wonderful service, far beyond anything I ever dreamed Club community coaches have visited the area. It is a of,” said Eileen. “I think it was better than doing it the first positive experience and gives those attending a sense of time around because behind it was all the bad and good worth when a club like Liverpool returns to the area we have had in life and we have survived it.” every year.”

SIX CONNOR CONNECTIONS NEWS

Bishop Hilary of Yei in 10 day visit

he Rt Rev Hilary Luate Adebe, Bishop of the Bishop Hilary with the Rev Roger Thompson, rector of St Patrick’s, Cairncastle. TDiocese of Yei in southern Sudan, Africa, spent 10 days his link diocese of Connor during March.

One of the highlights of his visit was the Enthronement Service for the new Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Rev , in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh.

Bishop Hilary’s schedule included meetings with staff at the Church Missionary Society Ireland and Connor Diocesan Council for Mission, and visits to Belfast Bible College and the Irish School of Ecumenics.

He visited the Restorative Justice Programme and the Cornerstone Reconciliation Community and also during his visit, said: “Although you can read about the travelled to a number of Connor parishes and situation in a place like Sudan, it is not until you actually participated in services in Cairncastle, in Larne, and at meet someone who lives their daily life there that you Queen’s University, Belfast. begin to understand the harsh realities they have survived and the deep faith that carries them through Archdeacon , who hosted Bishop Hiiary every day.“ Rectors instituted Flower Festival in Lisburn hree hundred years after Lisburn was destroyed by he Rev Stephen two young children. Tfire, Lisburn Cathedral will remember the tragedy with Fielding was instituted a flower festival themed: ‘Out of the Fire.‘ The T The institution of the Rev as rector of Agherton arrangements are by the world-renowned Rev William Paul Jack as rector of the Parish, Portstewart, on McMillan, helped by Ballymacash Flower Club. united parish of St Simon April 17. and St Philip took place in The festival runs from October 25 -28, and includes a St Simon’s Church, The 39-year-old has a series of church services. Entry is free but donations are Donegall Road, Belfast, on degree in Economics and welcomed, and will go towards church refurbishment and May 25. Geography from the to help the people of Yei diocese in the south of Sudan. University of Ulster at Rev Jack’s first curacy Jordanstown, and was in St Patrick’s, Connor MU vice president Kathleen previously served as Rodgers, along with Cynthia Cherry, Grace Jordanstown, Connor curate in the parish of McCabe and Ruth McKeegan, pictured Diocese, where he below with their medals, each completed a Bangor Abbey, Diocese of remained for two years nine mile Belfast Marathon Walk to raise Down before his funds for the MU Literacy and before moving to Seagoe appointment as incumbent Development Programme and soup parish where he was to the parishes of kitchens in CapeTown. Treasurer curate for six years. Rosemary Burnside (right) swam an Templepatrick and amazing 1,500 lengths of the Grove Baths Donegore in 1997. to raise £1,000! Rev Jack is married to Rev Fielding is married to Claire and the couple has Julia and the couple has three children.

our former Bishop and his February wife Helen. cover The editor would like to assure you the photograph photograph had the blessing of Archbishop Harper, and in ome readers expressed fact was his choice for the Ssurprise at the front February cover following cover photograph in the his appointment as last Connor Connections of Primate.

SEVEN CONNOR CONNECTIONS PROFILE Please pra me and m hen Bishop-elect Canon Alan Abernethy is consecrated as on June 29, he Wwill be wearing something special on his finger. His Episcopal Ring belonged to a former Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev James Moore, and was given to the Bishop-elect by the Moore family.

The Bishop-elect said: “The ring has a special connection for me. Jimmy Moore was my Archdeacon here, and was later a parishioner. I ministered to him through to his death. He also pastored to me, we had a special bond.” Bishop-elect of Connor, the Rev Canon Alan Abernethy. Weeks after he received the phonecall from the Archbishop inviting him to be Bishop of Connor, the CV of a Bishop Bishop-elect remains in a state of disbelief. “It really was a profound shock,” he said. “When I got the native of Belfast, Canon Alan Abernethy, Bishop- call I just could not speak. My response after 20 seconds Aelect of Connor, was ordained in 1981 and was was ‘How can I say no to that!’ If other people have appointed rector of Ballyholme Parish in 1990. prayed about this and believe that I can do it then I cannot say no. A former pupil of Harding Memorial Primary School and Grosvenor High School, Belfast, he obtained a BA in History and Political Science from Queen’s University, I have a pastoral heart. I Belfast, in 1978; a Dip.Theol. (1st class) from Trinity know how in parish ministry College Dublin in 1981 and a BD from Queen’s in 1989. it can be difficult and it can be He was Curate-Assistant at St Elizabeth’s, Dundonald, from 1981 to 1984, and Curate-Assistant, Lecale Group lonely. In Connor I want to of Parishes and minor canon of Down Cathedral from 1984 until 1987. During this period he was also spend time with clergy, that is Officiating Chaplain at RAF Bishopscourt. my number one priority. From 1986 until 1990 the Bishop-elect was rector of St “But afterwards I wondered if it was a wind up – with that John’s, Helen’s Bay and Chaplain at Crawfordsburn one phone call your life is turned upside down.” Geriatric Hospital, before moving to his present post as rector of St Columbanus, Ballyholme. He went on: “I have been overwhelmed by the sense of support of people who believe this is good for the In 2004 he was appointed Church of Ireland Central church, and as my mother would have said, ‘Just be Director of Ordinands and since 2005 has been a yourself son.’ I can hear her whispering it.” member of Church of Ireland Theological Inspection Team Bishop-elect Abernethy said he was aware challenges lay ahead. “I want to listen and hear what the challenges He has also been Church of Ireland Religious advisor to are. I think it is important that we do that together. It is Downtown Radio, and is author of “Fulfilment and not my diocese, it is ours. I want to visit clergy, talk to Frustration,” published by Columba Press in 2002. people and go forward together. Part of that is to really

EIGHT CONNOR CONNECTIONS PROFILE

considerable part of my ministry there.”

He went on: “Canon Abernethy brings considerable gifts, which will greatly benefit the diocese when he begins his ray for episcopal ministry. He has served as Central Director of Ordinands and has been very closely identified with the work the Church of Ireland is doing to reshape training for ministry. I wish Canon Abernethy and his wife, Liz, every blessing in this new development in his ministry.”

Bishop-elect Abernethy describes himself as a pastor. “I my family have a pastoral heart. I know how in parish ministry it can be difficult and it can be lonely. In Connor I want to genuinely listen. I have no preconceived ideas although I spend time with clergy, that is my number one priority.” know what matters to me in my own ministry.” He went on: “I also have a great concern for training, He admitted that his joy and excitement at his new position was mingled with a certain amount of grief. “I am and I would like to be part of what is going on in Connor. finding it really painful to disengage myself from the lives It is wonderful that Connor has a training council and a of the people here in Ballyholme. We have lived here 17 training officer. The release of all ministry is very years, our children grew up here. We have been important to me.” gloriously happy.” As the date of his consecration approaches, the Bishop- The Bishop-elect, who is 50, is married to Liz, a medical Elect admits: “The initial sense of shock is beginning to doctor at Musgrave Park Hospital. They have two lessen and I feel a growing sense of excitement and children, Peter, 20, a medical student at Glasgow awareness that this is what I am supposed to do. I love University, and Ruth, 17, a student at Methody. working with people and there are so many people in His appointment was made by the House of of Connor who know what they are doing.” the Church of Ireland on April 17. Announcing the appointment, Archbishop Alan Harper said: “I warmly “My message to Connor at the moment is please pray for welcome the appointment of Canon Alan Abernethy to me and my family. I will have L plates up and I need your become chief pastor in the Diocese of Connor. That love and patience. I pray for wisdom and peace and they diocese is very much in my heart, since I spent a are the two greatest gifts you can receive.”

The Bishop-elect chats with Pat Orr (left) and Emily Weir, who come to Ballyholme parish centre for their regular Friday lunch.

NINE CONNOR CONNECTIONS NEWS

Darren Whiteside was one of those featured in the exhibition.

Our kind of people

n the Protestant enclave of Monkstown, Stephen said: “The Hard Gospel theme is around a unemployment and deprivation are high and shared future and people in Northern Ireland moving Iexpectations are low. forward. But people in Monkstown, Rathcoole and other loyalist communities in Belfast are in the lowest three per An exhibition staged by the Church of Ireland’s Hard cent of educational attainment. Gospel project in March aimed to tackle the problem of poor self esteem and lack of ambition and broaden “If we are going to move forward in Northern Ireland horizons for the area’s young people. there’s an issue of people looking forward and having positive self esteem. That got me thinking about all the The ‘Our Kind of People’ exhibition ran for a week in the good that is not recorded. I thought about holding an brand new community centre before moving to exhibition about local people who have achieved things Monkstown’s two local schools. which would reverse the negative image. The result is a collection of great stories. The brainchild of Stephen Dallas, Hard Gospel project worker for Northern Ireland, the exhibition aimed to “They are aimed at increasing the self esteem of a inspire youngsters to work hard and aim high. community that does not appreciate itself.”

Through words and photographs, it documented the lives Stephen said the project had given people the of 70 people who once attended local schools or lived in opportunity to reminisce about how life in Monkstown the area, whose achievements have propelled them into used to be. a variety of careers. Among them are an airline pilot working in Indonesia, an actress, a nurse, a school “Everyone is really pleased to see such a positive principal, missionaries and a number of youth workers. message coming out of the area. Parents are bringing their children along because they want them to see this.” The project took six months to research. Interviews were conducted by a team of Church of Ireland volunteers. The wall mounted stories, accompanied by glossy Photos were taken by Belfast Exposed and Stephen. photographs, are definitely inspirational.

TEN CONNOR CONNECTIONS NEWS

Eileen and Stephen Trew are now working as missionaries in Paraguay, Ulster athlete Clare Dallas is off to do youth work in Massachusetts. Jacqueline Wilson was involved in the opening of the Waterfront Hall and has met celebrities including Bill Clinton and Robbie Williams.

Rachel Ball sings in a band and is a freelance make-up artist; Nadine Nicholl was the first female coach with the IFA; Brian Duff is a school principal; Karly Greene didn’t like school but is now an actress and university student; and Clive Grey, at one time chief pilot for two large companies, now flies for a Christian mission agency over the jungles of Indonesia.

The story boards also include pupils of Hollyfield Primary School and Monkstown Community College talking about school and their aspirations for the future.

Darren Whiteside is one of those featured in the exhibition. “I found it quite humbling,” he said. “I work in an agency helping young people with drug problems and am also involved in informal education – mainstream At home in the kitchen! The Rev Neal Phair and Archdeacon Stephen McBride. education does not work for all people – but I would not say what I do is anything exceptional. Connor clergy test “The young people said they enjoyed interviewing me because I struggled a wee bit with conflict with teachers ! who would not have expected me to go on to university their culinary skills and to be involved in organising a big project. wo fearless clergymen donned their pinnies and Tturned up the heat to impress members of Connor “But a youth worker came into my life and helped me believe Mothers’ Union in March. in myself. It that’s the difference a youth worker can make, then it seemed to be a good thing to do with my life. I’m Archdeacon Stephen McBride, vicar of Antrim, and the never going to be a millionaire, but I get a lot of job Rev Neal Phair, rector of Dunseverick and Ballintoy, satisfaction.” turned up the heat when they competed in a Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook evening in St Patrick’s Church Hall, The ‘Our Kind of People’ exhibition is one of Hard Ballymena. Gospel’s first major projects. Hard Gospel was founded by the Church of Ireland to address the hard issues of The event was attended by around 250 members of sectarianism and to stimulate fresh and creative thinking the Mothers’ Union from branches across the diocese. about finding ways of a shared future in the Ireland of the 21st century. The colourful chefs were guided in their culinary quest by Fanny Craddock’s daughter (Ann Armstrong, MU Dean Harrison and Mark Ferguson, first year pupils at Monkstown Community Area Chairman for Lisburn) and her two assistants, College, paid a visit to the exhibition. Gladys (Marie Quigley, Young Members Rep for Mid- Connor) and Vera (Roslyn Graham, Young Members Rep for North Connor).

The two clerics showed differing kitchen skills and produced some reasonably presentable dishes to a varying degree of success. On the vote of red and green peppers, miraculously, it was a tie.

The evening raised a marvellous £555 for the MU Relief Fund, and was an opportunity for the ladies to see two of Connor’s clergy in a different role and have a good laugh at their expense.

The event was organised by the Young Members representative of Connor Diocese and was co- ordinated by Patricia McWhirter.

ELEVEN

CONNOR MOTHERS’ UNION TRUSTEES, INCLUDING PRESIDENT NORMA BELL, FRONT ROW, CENTRE CONNOR CONNECTIONS NEWS

David Burnside, MLA, outside A view Stormont on Devolution Day. from the Hill hree pm on Devolution Day and there’s an unmistakable buzz about the corridors of Stormont TCastle. For the majority of people Tuesday May 8 represented an end to 38 years of violence – but for Assembly Members like South Antrim’s David Burnside it also represents a beginning – the start of a new government and the start of new challenges.

David, 55, a parishioner of St Patrick’s, , is a well known far beyond his parish boundaries as he juggles a life in County Antrim with business commitments in London.

Baptised in the Presbyterian Church, he was confirmed in St Patrick’s in his teens. A prominent member of the , he is also a Public Relations expert.

David has always had a love of politics and first stood for election during his final year at Queen’s University. He lost his deposit and his first job was as a supply teacher.

His interest in politics encouraged him into a job as press officer of the Vanguard Unionist Party coping with with . “I chose BA rather than the Tory rallies of 25,000 or more. “Those were very heady days,” party because it was a chance to do a privatisation and he said. “It was a very exciting job. There was no you only got to do that once,” he said. David remained a electronic media and no fax machines. I would write the key figure at BA until his resignation in 1993, following a press releases, copy them and hand deliver them to the libel battle with Sir Richard Branson’s . media.” He set up his own PR company, and pursued his love of When the Vanguard Unionist Party folded David left for politics. He has always been involved in the Unionist in search of a PR job, and was recruited by the party and is a co-founder of Friends of the Union. Institute of Directors. “Working there I got to know the whole Thatcherite side of the Tory party and was “I had always said I would not stand for election again, involved with a lot of important political figures,” he said. but then I became disillusioned by the . I felt the treatment of the RUC, taking away In 1984 David was offered the job as Head of PR for the the Royal title and the insignia was a disgrace and the Conservative party, but turned it down in favour of a post betrayal of a very fine force,” David said.

TWELVE CONNOR CONNECTIONS NEWS

He was selected to defend the South Antrim constituency in a by-election in 2000, losing narrowly to the DUP. A year later he was elected to Westminster, Changes and along with MPs and the Rev , resigned the UUP Whip in 2003. That year he was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. ahead for He lost his Westminster seat to the DUP in 2005, but remains an Assembly Member for South Antrim and chairman of his PR company, dividing his life between Northern Ireland and London. Ministry David has a 17-year-old daughter Anna from his first marriage. He and his second wife Fiona have a three- year-old daughter named Agnes. training

“You do manage to juggle things. I am probably the he new Programme for Ministry in the Church of exception rather than the rule. But if someone said you TIreland was launched in April with information either had to be an Assembly Member, or a Westminster meetings in Templepatrick and Dublin. MP or had to get rid of your own business my choice would be to give up elected politics,” David said. The new ministry programme has been developed over the last two years following a major review of the Theological College. The project team is made up of The more business Bishop Michael Jackson (chair), Bishop Ken Clarke, Bishop , Bishop-elect Alan Abernethy and experience you have out Andrew McNeile (Project Co-ordinator). The changes mean initial training for ministry would be there in the real world undertaken in the trainee’s own locality by distance learning and there would be a choice of a full-time or the better you are in part-time route resulting in equivalence of qualification using that expertise as and training. The trainee’s final year would be spent as an intern in a an elected politician. training parish with academic reflection on their work, and once qualified there is the freedom to choose to serve in a stipendiary or non-stipendiary capacity. “The more business experience you have out there in the real world the better you are in using that expertise The Bachelor of Theology would be replaced by Masters as an elected politician.” in Ministry with curriculum focus on Scripture, Theology and Ministry and training would focus on equipping David admits he never thought he would see Devolution ministers for all aspects of the role of a full time minister. A new site and centre for training would be developed, Day, but remains sceptical, adding that if the Ulster with provision for families. Unionists had done the deal Dr Paisley did that day, the DUP would have labelled them traitors. The new post of Director of the Theological Institute has been advertised, and the programme will commence in He recognises that Northern Ireland is now a better 2008. place to live. “You don’t have to have your bags checked, there are no road blocks. That whole security Bishop Michael Jackson, Chair of the Project Ministry atmosphere has gone. Things are more peaceful but Team, said: ‘The future shape of ministry for lay people more sectarian in an ironic way, especially in working and clergy alike is exciting for the Church of Ireland. class estates.” Those of us who have been involved in the Ministry Project so far are encouraged by the widespread interest throughout the church.’ David was leaving Stormont to pursue one of his other great loves – motorcycling - and was riding both his Peter Hamill, Connor Diocesan Training Co-ordinator, 1955 Royal Enfield and his Honda VF1000 bikes in the said: “This is one the most exciting things happening in North West 200. When he has free time he also enjoys the Church at the moment. It heralds a new dimension to boating and shooting at his family farm in his home training in the church and will complement and enhance parish of Ballymoney. the aims of the Training Council in Connor Diocese.”

THIRTEEN CONNOR CONNECTIONS NEWS

CHEERS! Recovering addict Dennis McCarroll enjoys a bit of banter with Rosie Armstrong-Woodroffe, counsellor with the Well Springs project at St Hilda’s Church, Kilmakee. KILMAKEE PROJECT HELPS TO CHANGE LIVES Beating addiction t his lowest ebb, Dennis McCarroll would stagger Lisburn. Well Springs is a Christian Support Service for drunkenly to the grave of his 10-year-old daughter people with alcohol and drug addictions and has, quite Aand sleep there. literally, saved Dennis’s life. The grave was as comfortable as many of his sleeping Based in St Hilda’s Parish Church, Well Springs has places – parks, doorways, the pavement. For in the three been running for 18 months. The parish covers the years after his little Nichola died, the street was Dennis’s Seymour Hill estate, an area of high social deprivation. home. “There are a lot of alcoholics and people with Seven years later, Dennis had to bury his other daughter addictions,” said the rector the Rev David Boyland. Caroline, killed in an accident at the age of 19. The loss “What sparked the project was one guy turned up at of his children was the greatest of many tragedies in the church and said he had been to Alcoholics Anonymous 54-year-old’s life, tragedies which turned him to drink who talked about a higher power. He asked his GP who and robbed him of his dignity and even his will to live. the higher power was and the GP sent him to me. He was open to receiving Christ and it got us thinking there Yet today Dennis is a changed man. He no longer drinks, were so many like him in the area.” he has clothes on his back and food in his stomach. The parish recruited Mrs Rosie Armstrong-Woodroffe to And that change has been brought about largely by a run counselling, drop in, fellowship and addiction recovery project run by Kilmakee parish on the outskirts of sessions at St Hilda’s. Although many who come to Well

FOURTEEN CONNOR CONNECTIONS NEWS

Springs are not from the parish, Rev Boyland said the my wife, my parents were dead, my brothers were dead, project was good for the church too. “Often a church can my daughters were dead,” he said. be very inward looking. This provides an opportunity for people to focus on those outside.” Dennis did recover physically and remarried. But that marriage split up, and Dennis was back in a hostel when Dennis believes he owes his life to Well Springs. he met Rosie who encouraged him to go to Well Springs. “Without Rosie taking me to Well Springs I don’t think I would have made it,” he said. “I had given up on people and felt no one cared about me and my life was a real mess. I have tried to make “When I went along at first I was very insecure. I thought sense of it all, why things happened. When I am in life had treated me and my family really bad, and I had church people talk to me and give me great comfort. no real faith because of the things that had happened. Without Rosie and Rev Boyland and everyone else I don’t think I would have made it,” he repeated. “I knew that sooner or later I had to do something because the drinking had really got to me. Thanks to Rosie and the people at the church who I love and respect so much I have not looked back. I have been off the drink two years now and I am a Christian. Where life will take me from here I don’t really know.”

Dennis is understandably nervous about the future. At present he lives with Rosie and her husband Peter who took him into their own home after he completed the Well Springs programme.

“Usually people who have addictions have lost everything and the expectation for them to ‘pull up their boots’ is too high. Dennis was someone we knew had nothing and no-one and we offered him a bed,” said Rosie

More than 30 people from all walks of life have followed the Well Springs programme in the past 18 months.

For Dennis, it is difficult to look to the future with so much pain from the past to live with. One of 15 children, he has lost his parents and five of his six brothers.

Nichola was the youngest of his five children. Following her death in an accident in 1991, his marriage broke up and Dennis hit the drink. “Before my wee girl’s death I was not much of a drinker. But I ended up on the street, I gave up my job and begged for money and slept in parks and empty houses. I even slept on Nicky’s grave. I could not get her out of my mind.” Dennis with photographs of his daughters Nichola, who died when she was 10, and Caroline, who died aged 19. Dennis picked himself after three years when he heard his daughter Caroline had a baby, and began to visit her regularly, but tragedy struck again when Caroline was “There are lots of people out there who need help. That’s killed in an accident. Dennis returned to the streets. what Well Springs is for, to help these people who have addictions and problems with alcohol. But they have to The pain of his loss is still apparent. “After Caroline’s want that help. You cannot work miracles overnight.” death I had nowhere to go and noone to turn to. I went to Nicky and Caroline’s grave – they are buried together. Dennis’s own recovery has not happened overnight, and There’s not a day goes by that I don’t think of them,” he he admits there is still a long road ahead. But he is now said with tears in his eyes. Photos of the two girls are back in touch with his first wife and his sons, and is among other family pictures above Dennis’s bed. looking forward to the birth of a second grandchild.

Dennis eventually ended up in a bedsit, but one night he Anyone interested in finding out more about the Well was stabbed and badly beaten.“At the time I did not care Springs project at Kilmakee can contact Rosie on 028 if I lived or died. There was nothing left for me. I had lost 9030 1777.

FIFTEEN